Renovations and updating of homes are top priorities for homeowners in 2022. Most want to achieve their goals and plans; thus, numerous projects are lined up. These projects cover varying areas, from heating and cooling to paving the driveway. However, planning home projects evokes mixed emotions, including anxiety and excitement. Homeowners undertake renovations to improve the aesthetic appeal, perform major repairs, and increase home value. Here are the top projects for homeowners all around the world in 2022.
Replacing the Garage Door
Though homeowners use their garage door several times a day, they rarely think about it as long as it works. However, there are several reasons homeowners all around the world would like to upgrade or replace their garage doors. A common reason is to enhance curb appeal. A garage door significantly affects the exterior of a house, and its condition, color, and style impact the home’s overall appearance. A garage door service can help you install a door that complements your home’s beauty.
Homeowners all around the world would love to reduce their power bills. Replacing your garage door with an energy-efficient one is a step in the right direction. Unlike newer doors, older ones lack multilayer insulation that helps keep the garage warm even in winter. Furthermore, a damaged door can let cold or hot air in, pushing your energy costs higher.
Security is a big concern for most homeowners and one of the biggest reasons they replace their garage doors. With advanced technology, modern garage doors offer better protection. Some come with a smart garage door opener integrated with sensors, automatic locking, and cameras.
Replacing your garage door requires careful consideration because you will live with the new one for several decades. Getting a modern one with new design styles and state-of-the-art builds would be best. A garage door with durable materials can last for 50 years with minor repairs.
One of the key factors to consider when replacing your garage door is material. Maintenance needs, durability, energy efficiency, and the looks of a garage door depend on how it is made and what it is made from. A garage door can have from one to five layers. Those with a single layer are normally uninsulated and cheap, while those with four or five layers are the most expensive.
Upgrading Floors
Most homeowners from all around the world are planning to upgrade their floors for one reason or the other. Some do it to improve their home’s design and enhance aesthetics. Upgrading the floor is one way to change a room’s look completely. Over time, your floor will wear and tear, and become outdated. An upgrade will give it a fresh new look, making it appear brighter, cozier, bigger, or more traditional. The upgrade can be as simple as contacting concrete floor polishing services to scrub it and make it look shiny.
Another great reason for upgrading your floor is to improve its functionality. For example, you could spend more time and energy cleaning your floor. But upgrading it to an easy-to-clean floor will save you valuable hours. Different spaces in your house have varying flooring needs. You can upgrade them to maximize functionality.
Upgrading your floor can also help improve your health, especially if you are prone to allergies and asthma. Old carpeting can harbor dust and trigger such conditions. High-traffic areas need more cleaning and maintenance. You can upgrade the flooring in such areas to one with lower maintenance needs. Most importantly, upgrading your floor raises home value.
There are many flooring ideas to choose from when upgrading. Balance practicality, looks, maintenance, durability, and cost when selecting the right floor. Hardwood flooring is popular, but pets can easily scratch it, and moisture can damage it. Carpeted and laminated floorings are also popular but expensive. Though engineered hardwood is cost-effective, you can only refinish it a few times. Consider the pros and cons of each option to determine the one that meets your needs.
Replacing the Roof
Replacing a roof is a major home repair for homeowners all around the world. It is a decision that requires proper planning because you can’t wait for the old roof to fail. Only a few home problems are as disastrous as a roof; water can destroy your insulation, ceiling, walls, and even home appliances. Furthermore, you can’t delay a roof replacement, especially if it is already damaged.
You should check with your state whether you require a permit to replace your roof. Apart from protecting you from fines, the permit also ensures the new roof complies with building codes. However, only licensed contractors can apply for permits. Hire one of the local roofing companies to assist you in navigating the waters of roof replacement.
Several options are available when selecting your roofing materials, but it mostly depends on your preference and locality. For instance, some regions use metal because of its fire resistance. The roof angle also determines the materials you can use. For example, wood shake shingles are unsuitable for low-pitched and flat roofs.
Wood shakes, and shingles are expensive but attractive. They are also durable but a hazard in regions prone to fires. Asphalt composition shingles are the most common roofing material because they are readily available and cheap. However, they have a flat appearance that makes them less attractive.
Aluminum and steel roofing have become popular in the recent past because they are durable and fireproof. They are expensive and need specialized contractors to do a roof install. However, their durability makes them cost-effective in the long run. Slate roofing is a desirable and high-end option but heavy and costly. It is also difficult to repair because it is slippery.
Composition slate roofing is gaining popularity because it is less susceptible to damage and light. Composition slates are synthetic tiles resembling stone tiles and slate. Ceramic and clay tiles, also referred to as Spanish-styled red tile roofs, are common, but composite materials and metals are slowly replacing them.
Repairing the Roof
Even the sturdiest roof will suffer from regular wear and tear with age, be damaged by the weather, a leak, or missing material. Therefore, repairing a roof is unavoidable for most homeowners all around the world. The good news is you don’t have to replace the entire roof. Furthermore, you don’t have to contact a roofing repair service for minor repairs. All you will need is the courage to go up the ladder.
Aging shingles is one of the biggest reasons you may want to repair your roof. Shingles become brittle and weak with age, necessitating a change. Improper installation may require roof repairs. Roofing over old shingles, failing to use underlayment, using poor sealants, installing improper flashing, and failing to overlap or fasten shingles can result in problems. A roofing business will ensure that all your roofing is in order and save you from unnecessary repair costs. Walking on the roof may also damage it, especially if it is hot and you are wearing spiked shoes.
Extreme temperatures can also damage your roof. During winter, your roof can have ice dams, which are common causes of roof damage. Thunderstorms, high winds, and hurricanes can also cause damage. Materials with high wing resistance can reduce the frequency of repairs. Experts recommend inspecting your roof’s condition following strong winds to ensure there is no damage. High heat and intense UV light during the summer can take a toll on your roof. However, installing a radiant barrier and insulating or ventilating your attic can reduce the impact.
Paving the Driveway
Most homeowners from all around the world are not aware of the numerous options when it comes to paving the driveway. Asphalt and standard concrete have been the go-to option for most residential homes. One of the biggest benefits, and probably why standard concrete and asphalt driveways are popular, is because they are durable. If the asphalt contracting company does its job to the highest standard, your driveway could last over two decades.
But this does not mean that there aren’t other long-lasting alternatives. Brick driveways have become a popular alternative, and you can lay them to allow water to drain between the bricks. Such a driveway will prevent giant ruts or mud puddles. Brick driveways are also cheaper than standard concrete and asphalt driveways.
Gravel driveways are cost-effective alternatives because they involve laying hard, angular gravel on the driveway. It also provides a permeable solution because stormwater can drain through. Though the loose gravel can shift away from the driveway because of traffic, fixing it is pretty simple. All you have to do is rake it back to the driveway. Gravel can be a challenge if your driveway is sloped.
Interlocking pavers are a great option, and they can have pattern and color combinations for unique and customized effects. They are easy to install because they don’t require mortar. Building them on a solid base is vital, so they don’t shift and cause gaps or cracks. Interlocking pavers are made from concrete or cement and resemble cobblestone pathways.
Adding a Screened in Porch
A screened in porch is a great addition to any home because it provides a place to observe the atmosphere, enjoy the summer breeze, and bask at the end of the day. Most people like spending time outdoors, and a porch would be the perfect place to relax. It is also a great space to enjoy an outdoor meal, entertain friends and family, or play with the kids.
Because of its benefit, most homeowners all around the world have made adding a screened in porch a project for 2022. A screened in porch contractor can help you design and build a porch that meets your needs. The first step is to estimate the cost of all materials and labor. You will also have to pick your preferred design because it will significantly affect the price. You may also consider a porch screening kit to make your work easier.
You will have to select your porch screening panels. Consider the practicality, panel size, configuration, and personal taste. Smaller screens will obstruct your view, but they are easier and cheaper to repair in case of damage. On the other hand, larger panels provide wider views but are costly to replace. Though screen fabric is light, it requires a frame for support, and larger materials can bulge or sag, especially when kids and pets bump into them or live in a windy area.
Upgrading the HVAC
Upgrading the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is a common project for homeowners all around the world, especially if it is more than a decade old. Though it can be a significant expense, it is worthwhile because it has numerous benefits. Furthermore, it can be easier on your wallet in the long run. However, updating your HVAC is not a DIY task because it is dangerous. Contact an HVAC service to do it professionally.
Upgrading the HVAC can reduce energy costs. Modern units use less energy than their older counterparts to deliver the same output. Cooling your house during summer consumes most of the power, and upgrading your AC to a more efficient one will reduce your power bill. Upgrading your HVAC could also get you a quieter and better-looking one.
Modern air conditioning also offers better climate control. You can set your preferred temperature, and the AC will maintain it with only slight variations. You can also use smart thermostats that will learn household patterns and automatically control the AC. Older models had only off-and-on control. You would switch it on until it was too cool, and you would switch it off. This causes huge fluctuations in temperature throughout the day.